# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=511 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 512 --- ## [problems with a concrete foundation](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/problems-with-a-concrete-foundation/825852)
**Author:** [@AnalogSignal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AnalogSignal)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [December 11, 2018, 11:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/problems-with-a-concrete-foundation/825852 "2018-12-11T23:18:23Z")
We are adding a sunroom on to our house and the foundation for the room was done in a sloppy and hurried manner. The cement truck arrived late and they poured the concrete in a messy way and finished the job in the dark.… --- ## [Probabilities of Relevance](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/probabilities-of-relevance/825935)
**Author:** [@Sage\_Rat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sage_Rat)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [December 11, 2018, 9:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/probabilities-of-relevance/825935 "2018-12-11T21:54:33Z")
Let’s say that I am evaluating the probability that a person is guilty of murder. The person who the police have decided to prosecute is tall, was a friend of the victim, was out drinking the night of the crime, lived in… --- ## [how is prismatic retroreflective material made?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-is-prismatic-retroreflective-material-made/821236)
**Author:** [@Machine\_Elf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Machine_Elf)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [December 11, 2018, 9:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-is-prismatic-retroreflective-material-made/821236 "2018-12-11T21:02:42Z")
Retroreflective material is commonly used on road signs and other objects when good conspicuity is required at night. As you approach, your car’s headlights illuminate the object and most of the light comes back pretty … --- ## [Foreigners Cannot Leave the US If Their Passports Have Less Than 6 Months Left?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/foreigners-cannot-leave-the-us-if-their-passports-have-less-than-6-months-left/822554)
**Author:** [@Siam\_Sam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Siam_Sam)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [December 11, 2018, 8:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/foreigners-cannot-leave-the-us-if-their-passports-have-less-than-6-months-left/822554 "2018-12-11T20:38:09Z")
The wife’s passport expires next March, less than six months from now. She had planned to be in Thailand earlier this year and take care of it then, but that didn’t happen. Now she plans to be in Thailand next January. H… --- ## [What fuel does the navy use in its cruisers and destroyers?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-fuel-does-the-navy-use-in-its-cruisers-and-destroyers/825517)
**Author:** [@cjackson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cjackson)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [December 11, 2018, 7:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-fuel-does-the-navy-use-in-its-cruisers-and-destroyers/825517 "2018-12-11T19:28:06Z")
The navy uses gas turbines in its Arleigh Burke class destroyers. I was just wondering what type of fuel they burn. --- ## [Does a Constant Force Require Increasing Power (Physics)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-a-constant-force-require-increasing-power-physics/825361)
**Author:** [@swaneycpcc](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/swaneycpcc)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [December 11, 2018, 6:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-a-constant-force-require-increasing-power-physics/825361 "2018-12-11T18:25:13Z")
If an object at rest has, say, one constant force “forward” on it and the object’s mass isn’t changing (and we’re not getting relativistic) then the object will have a constant acceleration. That means its velocity incr… --- ## [Very basic questions about apps](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/very-basic-questions-about-apps/785307)
**Author:** [@Little\_Nemo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Nemo)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [April 27, 2017, 5:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/very-basic-questions-about-apps/785307 "2017-04-27T05:06:30Z")
I’ll admit right at the start I know practically nothing about apps. I’m aware they exist and you can buy them for your phone. My phone, however, is very old school. All it does is make phone calls. So that’s not an opt… --- ## [Is it possible to get a specific cache of a website?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-possible-to-get-a-specific-cache-of-a-website/825894)
**Author:** [@Mr\_Shine](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr_Shine)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [December 11, 2018, 6:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-possible-to-get-a-specific-cache-of-a-website/825894 "2018-12-11T06:54:19Z")
A website I go to just set up a promotion which I’ve fulfilled, then looking at the promotion screen an hour later the terms have been changed negatively. I’m not sure if they’ll honour it as the customer service is hard… --- ## [Why didn't Hercules from myth "get" a better constellation?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-didnt-hercules-from-myth-get-a-better-constellation/825712)
**Author:** [@Spectre\_of\_Pithecanthropus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spectre_of_Pithecanthropus)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [December 11, 2018, 5:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-didnt-hercules-from-myth-get-a-better-constellation/825712 "2018-12-11T05:14:27Z")
Last night I took this picture of Orion from my back deck: Orion As I was looking it over, it occurred to me that Orion is almost a minor character in classical mythology, especially compared to Hercules. Yet Orion “g… --- ## [Canadians: question about $1 bills and pennies](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/canadians-question-about-1-bills-and-pennies/825608)
**Author:** [@Broomstick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Broomstick)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [December 11, 2018, 2:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/canadians-question-about-1-bills-and-pennies/825608 "2018-12-11T02:16:23Z")
At work we occasionally get foreign money. Our cashiers aren’t supposed to take it, but sometimes foreign coins resemble domestic coins, especially if you’re in a hurry. In the cash office we have a bulletin board wher… --- ## [What exactly is mass?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-exactly-is-mass/825535)
**Author:** [@A\_Dodgy\_Dude](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/A_Dodgy_Dude)\ **Replies:** 83\ **Last updated:** [December 11, 2018, 12:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-exactly-is-mass/825535 "2018-12-11T00:46:12Z")
The Science Channel is airing a show about black holes and all the experts talk about the holes have “x times the mass of the sun.” I can’t figure out what they are talking about exactly. Is mass \[ul\] \[li\]weight\[/li\]\[… --- ## [UK meters for 120 v usage possible?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/uk-meters-for-120-v-usage-possible/825815)
**Author:** [@virtually\_yours](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/virtually_yours)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [December 10, 2018, 10:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/uk-meters-for-120-v-usage-possible/825815 "2018-12-10T22:31:45Z")
Hello, I am in UK for a bit and going back to 120v (some may like 110v land) land. I like the cheap meters here less than 100 pounds as opposed to the 1000 or so pounds I would have to pay for a sub meter in my Caribbea… --- ## [To what extent is this account of the Cuban missile crisis accurate?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/to-what-extent-is-this-account-of-the-cuban-missile-crisis-accurate/811740)
**Author:** [@Saffer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saffer)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [December 10, 2018, 9:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/to-what-extent-is-this-account-of-the-cuban-missile-crisis-accurate/811740 "2018-12-10T21:33:13Z")
It’s one of those Adam ruins whatever videos. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk --- ## [Why did the founders give the power to approve appointments just to the Senate?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-the-founders-give-the-power-to-approve-appointments-just-to-the-senate/825508)
**Author:** [@AlsoNamedBort](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AlsoNamedBort)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [December 10, 2018, 9:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-the-founders-give-the-power-to-approve-appointments-just-to-the-senate/825508 "2018-12-10T21:16:09Z")
For the most part, everything that happens in Congress requires both houses to approve it. Even powers specific to House of Reps like impeachment still require the Senate to vote as well. So why does the Senate have the… --- ## [Odds question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/odds-question/825913)
**Author:** [@MikeF](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MikeF)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [December 10, 2018, 9:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/odds-question/825913 "2018-12-10T21:15:00Z")
On a certain web site I must enter a seven digit random (I assume its random) number that is texted to my cell phone. What are the odds that there will be paired numbers in that seven? How do you figure that out? 8966… --- ## [Income tax preparation offices in the 'hood](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/income-tax-preparation-offices-in-the-hood/648019)
**Author:** [@elmwood](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elmwood)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [December 10, 2018, 7:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/income-tax-preparation-offices-in-the-hood/648019 "2018-12-10T19:21:34Z")
The neighborhood where I grew up has changed a lot in the past two decades. Most visitors to the area would now call it “the ghetto” or “the slums”. Going down the main business street of the neighborhood, I noticed th… --- ## [Will Bluetooth ever move beyond "pairing"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-bluetooth-ever-move-beyond-pairing/825659)
**Author:** [@russian\_heel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/russian_heel)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [December 10, 2018, 6:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-bluetooth-ever-move-beyond-pairing/825659 "2018-12-10T18:35:05Z")
After trying to unsuccessfully pair two devices tonight, I just realized that this somewhat annoying process has been around for at least 10 years, if not longer. Can’t we at this point just have devices that automatica… --- ## [Smart phone question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/smart-phone-question/825836)
**Author:** [@mixdenny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mixdenny)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [December 10, 2018, 3:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/smart-phone-question/825836 "2018-12-10T15:52:42Z")
I noticed that when my son’s smart phone has a blank screen, it comes to life when your hand moves close. It is pretty sensitive and senses a hand just off to the side of the screen even. What is it using to sense somet… --- ## [What are the laws on purchasing illegal items?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-laws-on-purchasing-illegal-items/786597)
**Author:** [@dude\_robert](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dude_robert)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [December 10, 2018, 2:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-laws-on-purchasing-illegal-items/786597 "2018-12-10T14:44:48Z")
What are the laws in this? Since it’s illegal, is the buyer actually required to pay any money for any of it, or could they just say they’ll pay them later, take everything and never bother? Or what would happen if they … --- ## [Why am I suddenly getting CAPTCHA demands on google searches?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-am-i-suddenly-getting-captcha-demands-on-google-searches/825790)
**Author:** [@pkbites](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pkbites)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [December 10, 2018, 2:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-am-i-suddenly-getting-captcha-demands-on-google-searches/825790 "2018-12-10T14:30:51Z")
All of a sudden I am getting CAPTCHA screens whenever I search for something on Google. This just began about an hour ago. And it’s for stuff I regularly search for like news articles, SDMB, etc… And it’s on my home comp… --- ## [English etiquette re: entering houses](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/english-etiquette-re-entering-houses/823052)
**Author:** [@Rocketeer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rocketeer)\ **Replies:** 38\ **Last updated:** [December 10, 2018, 1:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/english-etiquette-re-entering-houses/823052 "2018-12-10T13:47:53Z")
Mrs R and I have been watching a lot of\*\*\* Midsomer Murders\*\*\* lately, and we’ve noticed that usually DCI Barnaby and his sergeant walk right into houses, calling out something like, “Mrs. Somerville, are you there?”. T… --- ## [Supporting a floating counter top?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/supporting-a-floating-counter-top/825641)
**Author:** [@Tastes\_of\_Chocolate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tastes_of_Chocolate)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [December 10, 2018, 2:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/supporting-a-floating-counter-top/825641 "2018-12-10T02:46:16Z")
I’m remodeling a small 1/2 bath (like from the studs out, due to mold and previous owner stupidity). The layout of the room, including location of the drain and the water pipes for the sink, leading me to the idea of a f… --- ## [Excel Pivot Table Q](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/excel-pivot-table-q/825858)
**Author:** [@K364](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/K364)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [December 10, 2018, 12:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/excel-pivot-table-q/825858 "2018-12-10T00:51:56Z")
I have data, by Department by employee, for various tasks. Dept Emp Task DueDate IsOverdue ---------------------------------------- A Joe Report 12/12/2018 0 A Sam Report 12/2/2018 1 A … --- ## [Blue blinking light on people's dashboards/sun visors?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/blue-blinking-light-on-peoples-dashboards-sun-visors/825576)
**Author:** [@Asuka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Asuka)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [December 9, 2018, 10:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/blue-blinking-light-on-peoples-dashboards-sun-visors/825576 "2018-12-09T22:46:42Z")
Driving home from work every night when I hit residential neighborhoods I’m noticing more and more cars have a blue light that slowly blinks on either their dashboard or sun visor. The fact I’m seeing it means it’s point… --- ## [Google wrecks personalized news page. Good alternatives?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/google-wrecks-personalized-news-page-good-alternatives/814572)
**Author:** [@Chetumal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chetumal)\ **Replies:** 53\ **Last updated:** [December 9, 2018, 10:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/google-wrecks-personalized-news-page-good-alternatives/814572 "2018-12-09T22:06:15Z")
My homepage each morning used to be Google News. I had it set up to show me news stories about topics I am interested in, and not those I’m not. I’m not interested in sports, the royal wedding, or the Mueller investigati… --- ## [Intel Coffee Lake: 8700 vs 9700](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/intel-coffee-lake-8700-vs-9700/825783)
**Author:** [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [December 9, 2018, 9:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/intel-coffee-lake-8700-vs-9700/825783 "2018-12-09T21:24:18Z")
Besides $50 plus the increased price for the 390 mobo it looks like the slightly newer technology gives slightly better result - probably not something 99.72% of users would notice. However, the 9700 gets rid of hyperth… --- ## [Reverse Polarity on LED bulbs? Worst case scenario.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/reverse-polarity-on-led-bulbs-worst-case-scenario/825356)
**Author:** [@Bear\_Nenno](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bear_Nenno)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [December 9, 2018, 1:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/reverse-polarity-on-led-bulbs-worst-case-scenario/825356 "2018-12-09T13:42:22Z")
I’ll keep it brief. I have a lamp with L, N, and PG wires to install. I will be using LED bulbs, if that makes a difference. Will it work with the L and N reversed? Basically, the hot wired to the neutral. Assume the gro… --- ## [Opening .dsk file](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/opening-dsk-file/825832)
**Author:** [@TSBG](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TSBG)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [December 9, 2018, 1:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/opening-dsk-file/825832 "2018-12-09T13:41:57Z")
Okay, I had a yen to play The Ancient Art of War and found a site to download a Mac version. Unstuffing the file leaves me with a .dsk file, which based on my research seems to be some kind of primitive disk image, but … --- ## [How do we know the mass of the universe](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-we-know-the-mass-of-the-universe/825826)
**Author:** [@Lucas\_Jackson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lucas_Jackson)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [December 9, 2018, 3:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-we-know-the-mass-of-the-universe/825826 "2018-12-09T03:44:42Z")
Apparently there is a visible event horizon to the universe which we cannot see past. If we cannot be sure how many more galaxies there are (and if there may be infinitely more), how do we determine the mass of the uni… --- ## [Negative Mass](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/negative-mass/825774)
**Author:** [@EastUmpqua](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EastUmpqua)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [December 9, 2018, 2:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/negative-mass/825774 "2018-12-09T02:51:51Z")
If you held a -1kg 4”diameter sphere in you hand, standing out in the open on the surface of Earth, and let go of it, what would it do? [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=510) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=512)